Businesses can no longer afford to ignore mobile application security as an afterthought, especially as mobile threats increase and security compliance requirements become more stringent. Penetration testing, or pentesting, is essential for protecting your iOS and Android apps, whether you’re developing a fintech app or growing a SaaS platform.
In this guide, we compare the best pentest providers for mobile applications, based on their approach, toolsets, reporting quality, and compliance expertise. If you need a trusted partner to uncover real vulnerabilities and help you pass audits, read on.
What to Look For in a Mobile App Pentest Provider
Not all pentest vendors are created equal. Here are four must-haves when evaluating mobile security testing firms:
- Manual Testing – Automated scans miss complex, business logic vulnerabilities.
- OWASP MASVS & Mobile Top 10 Knowledge – Look for alignment with leading security standards.
- Excellent Reporting – Clear remediation procedures, exploit walkthroughs, and CVSS scoring should all be included in reports.
- Post-Test Support – To bridge the gaps as soon as possible, post-delivery guidance is essential.
Additional Considerations
- Experience with Platform-Specific Risks: Android and iOS have unique security architectures. A capable provider must understand nuances like iOS entitlements or Android manifest misconfigurations.
- Secure DevOps Integration: Look for vendors that can work seamlessly within your CI/CD pipeline.
- Global Compliance Readiness: Especially important for businesses operating across borders—GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 alignment should be baked in.
Case Study – Mobile Application Penetration Testing
Mobile Pentest Buyer’s Guide: Key Criteria to Evaluate Vendors
If you’re evaluating mobile pentest vendors for the first time—or switching from a previous provider—use this buyer’s checklist to assess the right fit:
Security Testing Capabilities
- Do they test for both iOS and Android?
- Do they include dynamic and static analysis?
- Are business logic vulnerabilities part of the scope?
- Do they simulate real-world attacks (manual testing)?
Certifications & Methodology
- Are pen testers certified (OSCP, CEH, etc)?
- Is the methodology aligned with OWASP MASVS or PTES?
- Is their team experienced in regulated industries (e.g. fintech, healthtech)?
Tools and Techniques
- Do they use industry tools like Frida, Burp, MobSF, etc?
- Do they create custom PoCs?
- Do they use both jailbroken/rooted and non-rooted environments?
Reporting & Delivery
- Is the report detailed with screenshots, CVSS scores, and remediation tips?
- Is there an executive summary for business leaders?
- Do they offer a debrief session post-engagement?
Support & Communication
- Can developers get live support to fix vulnerabilities?
- Do they offer retesting after fixes? If yes, how many?
- Is there ongoing advisory support?
Top Mobile App Pentesting Providers (Ranked)
1. Bluefire Redteam
Strengths:
- Manual, human-led testing for iOS and Android, along with AI-based automated testing
- Deep OWASP MASVS coverage
- Includes business logic abuse testing
- Custom proof-of-concept exploits
- Real-time dev collaboration and full remediation support
2. NowSecure
Strengths: Fast, automated-first testing with visual reports.
3. Cobalt
Strengths: Crowdsourced testers, fast turnaround.
4. Appknox
Strengths: MASVS mapping, CI/CD integrations.
5. SecurityMetrics
Strengths: Compliance-driven testing; good for PCI-focused apps.
Why Choose Bluefire Redteam?
Our manual-first approach reveals what scanners miss, and we specialise in mobile app security assessments. Regardless of whether you’re developing apps for regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, or education, we customise every project to provide:
- MASVS-aligned reports ready for auditors
- Proof-of-concept attacks for dev validation
- Threat modeling + business logic abuse detection
- Vulnerability fixes and security consulting post-test
Unlike vendors who rush scans and automate everything, we dig deep into:
- Authentication and session management flaws
- Reverse engineering exposure
- Local data storage issues
- Insecure third-party SDKs
- Platform-specific permission abuse
Our clients rely on us to secure apps before launch, meet compliance, and defend user data from real-world attackers.
Get Your Mobile App Tested by Experts
Don’t leave your mobile security to chance. [Book a free consultation] with Bluefire Redteam and let our experts uncover what others miss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - iOS & Android Pentest
- Why do I need a mobile app pentest?
To detect security vulnerabilities in iOS and Android apps before attackers exploit them, ensuring compliance and protecting user data.
- Which provider is best for full MASVS compliance?
Bluefire Redteam offers deep MASVS coverage with manual-first testing that aligns with regulatory and industry standards.
- Are automated pentests enough?
No. Automated tools miss complex vulnerabilities like logic flaws and chained exploits that manual testing can uncover.
- How often should mobile apps be tested?
At minimum: before launch, after major updates, and annually. High-risk apps may require more frequent assessments.
- What should I expect from a quality pentest report?
Clear executive summaries, CVSS-scored findings, PoC exploits, screenshots, and remediation guidance customized to your codebase.
